Àlex Suárez Announces Retirement After 19-Year Basketball Career
Menorcan basketball stalwart Àlex Suárez has officially retired from professional basketball at age 32, closing a remarkable 19-year career that spanned multiple elite competitions. The power forward made the emotional announcement via social media on Tuesday night, stating: “The adventure of the little orange ball is over.”
A Career Forged Through Perseverance
Suárez’s retirement follows an unexpectedly quiet 2025-26 season where the Mahón-native remained unsigned while recovering from persistent physical issues. His decision concludes a journey featuring twelve ACB League seasons and 328 career appearances in Spain’s top division according to ACB official statistics.
The 2.03-meter forward began his professional journey under notable coach Pepu Hernández, making his Endesa League debut in 2013 with Menorca Bàsquet against FIATC Joventut Badalona. This marked the start of an itinerant career that saw him wear seven ACB jerseys:
Journey Through Spanish Basketball
• Joventut Badalona (2013-2015): Established himself as ACB-caliber player
• Bilbao Basket (2015-2016): Loaned from Real Madrid
• Real Madrid (2016-2017): Won 2017 ACB Championship alongside Sergio Llull
• Tecnyconta Zaragoza (2017-2020): Three productive seasons
• Iberostar Tenerife (2020-2022): Reached 2022 Basketball Champions League Final Four
• Monbus Obradoiro (2022-2023): Final ACB campaign
• Real Betis (2023-2024): Concluded career in Liga EBA
International Recognition and Legacy
Suárez’s consistent performances earned him national team opportunities under coach Sergio Scariolo. The forward participated in FIBA Windows qualifiers, notably receiving a November 2020 call-up for Eurobasket qualification matches. His fundamental understanding of team systems made him a reliable option in Spain’s development pipeline.
Basketball analysts remember Suárez for his intelligent spacing, defensive versatility, and leadership. “Àlex epitomized the kind of player every coach wants – selfless, adaptable, and fundamentally sound,” commented ACB TV analyst Carlos Cabezas during a 2024 broadcast.
Retirement Reflections
Though injuries hampered his final seasons, Suárez retires having played 19 professional years – uncommon longevity in modern basketball. His journey from Menorca’s youth system to sharing a Real Madrid locker room with legends like Felipe Reyes demonstrates the work ethic that defined his career.
Tributes have poured in across Spanish basketball circles, with former teammate Sergio Llull tweeting: “Competitor until the end. Enjoy retirement, hermano!” As Suárez transitions to post-playing life, his career stands as inspiration for Balearic Islands athletes pursuing professional dreams.
Source: Menorca.info
Images Credit: www.menorca.info